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The sound of a helicopter slicing through the skies above Wakiso District Headquarters yesterday morning, October 23, sent waves of excitement and curiosity among residents, marking one of the most dramatic scenes of the nomination exercise.

The Airbus ZT-RTB helicopter operated by Elevate Safaris, hovered over the area before descending onto the Wakiso District playground, about 500 metres from the nomination centre at the district council chambers.

Residents rushed to catch a glimpse of the rare spectacle. Moments later, Mr Khalid Simbwa, an independent candidate vying for the Kyadondo East parliamentary seat, stepped out of the helicopter, waving to the cheering crowd.

Police and army personnel stationed nearby moved quickly to keep order as dozens of onlookers surged forward for photographs.

Barely an hour after airlifting Mr Simbwa from Wampeewo playground in Kasangati Town Council following his nomination, the same helicopter returned, this time carrying Mr Philip Minduni, the NRM flagbearer for Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality.

His arrival reignited the frenzy, with residents jostling for selfies and trying to touch the aircraft despite police efforts to restrain them.

Some residents even rushed to scoop soil and grass from the landing site. The helicopter arrivals turned the district playground into a scene of both excitement and controversy.

Mr Joseph Lutwama, a local, said: ‘If they fly everywhere, how will they even know the potholes on our roads? Maybe they should be MPs in the sky,’ he said. But some residents interpreted the helicopter arrivals as a display of ambition .

‘If they can afford to charter a helicopter, imagine the kind of development they can bring to our areas,’ said Ms Nuliat Nansubuga, who had accompanied one of the candidates from Makindye.

Both Mr Simbwa and Mr Minduni defended their decision to arrive by air, saying it was simply a matter of convenience and personal choice, not extravagance.

‘My focus will be on improving education in Kyadondo East by providing bursaries for the underprivileged. I also want to empower women through Saccos to help them overcome domestic violence, which is often rooted in poverty,’ Mr Simbwa said.

Mr Minduni, on his part, pledged to lobby for better infrastructure and improved health services in Makindye-Ssabagabo, which he said has long been marginalised. ‘For years, this area has lagged behind because it is often represented by Opposition members,’ he said.

EC warning

Meanwhile, Mr Tolbert Musinguzi, the Wakiso District Presiding Officer, warned that any candidate found violating the electoral roadmap by launching early campaigns would face disciplinary action.

‘As the Electoral Commission, we are committed to ensuring that all candidates adhere to the set guidelines,’ Mr Musinguzi said.

‘Any breach of the campaign schedule will be treated as an electoral offence,’ he added.

The two-day nomination exercise concluded yesterday, with more than 80 candidates cleared to contest for parliamentary seats across the district’s seven constituencies – Nansana Municipality, Entebbe Municipality, Makindye Ssabagabo, Busiro East, Kyadondo East, Busiro North, and Busiro South.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (Maaif) has pledged to restock two lakes in Kisoro District with fish. Fishermen who operate on lakes Mulehe and Chahafi are excited about the development. The chairperson of the Kisoro Fishermen Association, Mr Charles Machali, said: ‘It has come at the right time. Catching a big fish in the two lakes was difficult because of over fishing that led to fish exhaustion in the lake waters. Although the government did not give us the desired fingerlings of tilapia on Lake Chahafi, we fully accept the cat fish fingerlings given to us and we are ready to follow the guidelines put in place as we wait for the restocked fingerlings to mature,’ Mr Machali said on Tuesday.

Mr Alex Nkurinziza, the defence secretary for fishermen association at Lake Mulehe, added that they will put in place local security sub-committees to ensure fishermen comply with the established guidelines. Mr Dennis Bilungi, the Kisoro District fisheries officer, confirmed the development and explained that a total of 753,200 fingerlings of cat fish will be restocked in Lake Chahafi while 3.9 million Nile tilapia fingerling species will be restocked in Lake Mulehe.

‘The procurement process of all these fries has been completed and we expect the contractor/supplier to begin the restocking exercise next week. After the restocking exercise is completed, all fishing activities on these two lakes shall be suspended for one year to allow the fries to mature,’ he said.

Mr Bilungi added: ‘We shall also restock the lake shores of these two lakes to allow continuous production even after the expiry of the one year ban of fishing activities. ”

He explained that the restocking of the two lakes is being done under the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture transformation project. The project is funded by the World Bank. He also revealed that Lake Mulehe was last restocked about seven years ago while Lake Chahafi was last stocked four years ago.

At least 64 candidates have been nominated to contest for 11 parliamentary seats across the Greater Luweero region, setting the stage for intense political contest in the forthcoming General Election.

The two-day nomination exercise, which ended on October 23, saw Luweero District registering the highest number of aspirants with 29 candidates vying for four parliamentary seats, while Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts recorded 19 and 16 candidates respectively.

Luweero District leads in numbers

In Luweero District, Katikamu South Constituency attracted the biggest number of contestants with 11 candidates. These include Hassan Kirumira Lukalidde (NUP), Kintu Michael (Independent), Patricia Magala (Independent), Zena Ali Merycillar (Independent), Mugisha Marvin (Independent), Muwanga Alfred (Independent), Nattembo Milly (PFF), Kimanje Nsibambi Peter (Independent), Semakula George (DF), Kalume Abubaker (NRM), and Bikwasi Haruna Rwamutakitwa (Independent).

Abubaker Kalume, the NRM flag bearer for Katikamu South, pledged to serve his constituents diligently if elected, promising to address key developmental challenges facing the area. “The people of Katikamu South should vote for me because I am the NRM candidate. I will be going to the serving table to bring the Luweero portion. With NRM in power, I will have the capacity to lobby for our people and ensure that we get our fair share of national resources,” Kalume said.

Bamunanika County had seven candidates nominated: Robert Ssekitoleeko (NUP), Sewabuga Thompson Makamazibu (Independent), Anyine Elizabeth Salabwa (Independent), Kiyini Robert (NRM), Ssenyange Innocent (DF), Kamla Stanley Kigozi (PFF), and Lugalama Thomas (FDC).

Dr. Robert Kiyini, the NRM candidate for Bamunanika County, was escorted during his nomination by the State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, who called for peaceful and orderly elections. “We need to ensure that this electoral process is conducted in a peaceful manner. Let us compete on ideas and allow the people to make their choice without intimidation or violence,” Dr. Muyingo said.

Katikamu North Constituency attracted six candidates including Denis Sekabira (NUP), Ronald Ndawula (Independent), Kasule Umar (Independent), Kasagga Ronald Bazanyanengo (DF), Gaddafi Nassur (NRM), and Sembatya Benjamin (PFF).

For the Luweero District Woman MP seat, five candidates were nominated: Brenda Nabukenya (NUP), Agnes Kirabo Nantongo (NRM), Bissau Rahma (Independent), Nakuya Moreen (DF), and Nakiganda Mariam (Independent).

Nakasongola registers 19 aspirants

Nakasongola District registered 19 candidates during the two-day exercise. Nakasongola County seat attracted the highest number with nine candidates: Kulabako Moses (Independent), Kyeyune Ivan (NUP), Sekakoni Joel Basemera (Independent), Sekayingo Robert (Independent), Serwadda Julius (Independent), Wasswa Stephenson (Independent), Tiberondwa Stephen Bujingo (NRM), Bwanga Rogers Sande (Independent), and Lubega Kajura George William.

Land disputes emerged as the most contentious issue in Nakasongola, with both leading candidates pledging to prioritize the matter if elected.

NRM’s Stephen Tiberondwa Bujingo, nominated for Nakasongola County, said he would advocate for the establishment of a land fund to help residents acquire land titles, noting that most landlords are absentee owners who have little connection to the area.

“The land issue is critical in Nakasongola. Most of our landlords are absent, and our people are suffering. I will push for a land fund that will enable residents to own land and secure their future. This is my priority when I get to Parliament,” Bujingo said while addressing supporters at Nakasongola Boma Grounds.

His opponent, Ivan Kyeyune of NUP, who led a celebratory procession through the Kampala-Gulu highway after his nomination, also identified land as his primary concern, vowing to fight land grabbers exploiting vulnerable residents.

“We have seen too many cases of land theft where our people are coerced into signing documents that are not properly explained to them, and they end up giving away their land. I will fight these land grabbers who want to take advantage of our people’s ignorance. Every resident deserves to know what they are signing,” Kyeyune said, urging voters to support his party’s presidential candidate.

Budyebo County had five candidates nominated including Buyinza Daniel (Independent), Kizza Adrian (NUP), Mwesige George Bukenya (Independent), Sekyanzi Benard Kirya (Independent), and Sebbuga Kimeze Berunado (NRM).

Five women will be contesting for the Nakasongola Woman MP seat: Mahoro Sharon Emily (NUP), Nakate Sarah (Independent), Ndiraba Editor (Independent), Zawedde Victorious (NRM), and Nakamya Esther (Independent).

Nakaseke records 16 candidates

Nakaseke District had 16 candidates nominated for the four parliamentary slots. Nakaseke Central Constituency registered the biggest number with seven candidates: Allan Mayanja Sebunya (NUP), Sempala Ali Bashir (Independent), Kiyinji Godfrey (DP), Ssenkaali Alex (FDC), Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye (NRM), Senkaali Alex (Independent), and Walakira Ddungu Fredrick (DF).

Among those nominated today was State Minister for Kampala, Kyofatogabye, the NRM candidate, who will face stiff competition from six other aspirants in what is expected to be one of the most keenly contested races in the district.

Nakaseke South Constituency had five candidates including Paulson Luttamaguzi Semakula (NUP), Charles Kawuma Nsereko (NRM), Arthur Nkalubo (Independent), Mukiibi Stephen (Independent), and Kakooza Richard (Independent).

Both Nakaseke North and the District Woman MP seats attracted only two candidates each. For Nakaseke North, Wilber Ahebwa Manyisa (NRM) and Kayansa Godfrey (NUP) were nominated, while the Woman MP seat will see a contest between Esther Nakawooya (NUP) and Najjuma Sarah (NRM).

The nominations signal heightened political activity in the Greater Luweero region, with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) fielding candidates in most constituencies, alongside several independent aspirants and candidates from smaller political parties including the Democratic Party (DP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and the Democratic Forum (DF).

The Electoral Commission has warned all candidates against conducting campaigns before November 10th, when official campaigns are scheduled to begin. Any violations could result in disqualification or other penalties as prescribed by electoral laws.

Paloma Kirabo is part of a five man team representing Uganda at the ongoing Africa Aquatics Junior and Senior Open Water Swimming Championships in Mombasa, Kenya.

It has been quite the month for the 15 year old Gators’ Swim Club swimmer, who started out at four just trying to be like her brother Paulsen Ssettumba – a popular national swimmer. She has “since developed the passion” and her coach Muzafaru Muwanguzi describes Kirabo as a “disciplined and humble girl with a consistent swimming career.”

Kirabo competed for her school Aga Khan at the Uganda Aquatics Independence Championship on October 11, then travelled with the swimming national team to Nairobi for the October 16-19 Africa Aquatics Zone III Swimming Championships in Nairobi, where Uganda were crowned winners for a third consecutive time. In fact, she has been part of Uganda’s triumphant team in four of the last five editions.

“I have competed against most of these swimmers (from other countries) before, but the competition this time is tight,” Kirabo said of her Nairobi experience where she faced fierce competition from teammates and swimmers from Kenya and Tanzania.

But behind her humble demeanor is a resilient competitor, who has watched many of her peers quit as she accumulated five Zone III appearances and one Zone IV competition for her country over the years.

She has also represented her club in various regional and local galas, putting her body on the line across various distances.

Recent form

Those performances got Kirabo to compete in seven individual events in Nairobi in the 15-16 girls’ age category; winning bronze in 200m backstroke (2:47.41), 400m freestyle (5:11.11) and 200m individual medley (2:44.51), finishing 4th in 100mfly (1:17.36) and 100m backstroke (1:18.66), 5th in 50m backstroke (36.28), 7th in 50m breaststroke (43.52). In the team events, she combined with captain Peyton Suubi, Tara Kisawuzi, and Rahmah Nakasule for gold and silver in the 4x100m and 4x50m freestyle relays respectively.

She also teamed up with Sonia Mwere, Suubi, and Nakasule for silver in the 4x50m medley relay, then with Mathew Mwase, Tara Kisawuzi, and Pendo Kaumi for more silver in the mixed 4x50m freestyle relay.

Feel the fear, do it anyway

Somewhere in between, she learnt she would not be returning home immediately but going further east to represent Uganda in Mombasa

“Honestly, I do not know how I was selected and I am a bit scared. I used to say I would never do open water because I fear swimming in water bodies. But somehow, I now feel a bit more open minded

“Part of me is excited for the new experience and happy to have a new story to tell. I do not know if I am ready to swim 3km in open water, but I will give it my best,” Kirabo added.

Kirabo is not putting herself under pressure but would still “like to compete at the best competitions in the world”.

“It would be nice to do my best there but for now I am focused on having swimming as an extra curricular activity on my C.V for school and University,” said the Year 11 student who loves Mathematics and hopes to be “a Civil Engineer or something in that line.”

Fortunately for her, Muwanguzi believes the best is yet to come.

“There is still room for improvement and the best thing is that she is still at it. We want her to swim to the highest level possible.” Mombasa, where she is part of coach Abel Ddamulira’s team that includes male swimmers Max Kenyi, Arthur Mwase, Benjamin Lutaaya, and Jordan Chrighton Munyikwa is just a stop over on what promises to be a beautiful swimming voyage.

AT A GLANCE

Name: Paloma Kirabo

Age: 15

Club: Gators

Country: Uganda

Major competitions: Africa Aquatics Zone III (Uganda 2021, Tanzania 2022, Rwanda 2023, Burundi 2024, Kenya 2025), Zone IV (Zambia 2022), Africa Aquatics Junior and Senior Open Water Swimming Championships (Mombasa 2025)

This was the state in which the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperative, Mr Francis Mwebesa found himself while inaugurating the newly constituted National Sugar Council on Thursday.

The issue had nothing to do with the inaugurated sugar council leadership and members, but the conspicuous presence of the executive director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Mr James Kasigwa, who was last week ordered to step aside to allow unfettered investigations into several claims levelled against him.

In a letter written to Mr Kasigwa, titled: Taking your annual leave starting 15th October, 2025, authored by Mr Mwebesa on October 07, 2025 authorized the UNBS executive director to step aside until the conclusion of the one-month investigation.

‘I write with reference to the task which I recently assigned to the National Standards Council, in which I directed the council to assess the validity, authenticity and significance of the various allegations levelled against you regarding insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, mismanagement and corruption.

“To expedite and facilitate the work of the council in this regard, including conducting inquiries, hearings and interviews of key witnesses and personnel with information pertinent to the areas in which allegations against you were made, I hereby direct and authorise you to take your annual leave, of 30 working days, effective 15th October 2025,’ reads the letter, a copy of which this publication has seen.

Mr Kasigwa sauntered into the inauguration minutes before the proceedings, quietly assuming his seat, first in the back before settling on the round table in the Ministry of Trade boardroom.

It wasn’t apparently clear whether the Minister expected Mr Kasigwa to turn up or not, but what was evident was the uneasiness and some sort of tension when the standards body boss without mincing words and fear of contradiction, introduced himself as the executive director of UNBS.

Throughout the proceedings which lasted slightly more than an hour, Mr Mwebesa uncharacteristically didn’t make any mention of the UNBS boss nor did he maintain eye contact with him.

When asked after the inauguration ceremony what became of the directive, he issued authorizing Mr Kasigwa to step aside, Minister Mwebesa looked visibly uncomfortable to explain himself. He murmured a few words while sharply staring as if to say ‘what more do you want me to do?’ before gathering himself, humorously retorting, ‘can we concentrate on the sugar issues.’

When pressed further, he said: ‘Let’s talk about sugar and the inauguration board.’

Mr Kasigwa, an electrical engineer by profession, didn’t appear bothered, telling this reporter after the inauguration that he had actually ‘never left’ when asked if he was back in office.

Mr Kasigwa has been the executive director of UNBS since May 13, 2024. Mr Kasigwa is an Electrical Engineer who has had an illustrious career with multinational corporations, private and public sectors spanning over two decades in leadership, and strategic management of expert teams in Science, Technology, Innovation, Standards and Infrastructure Industry.

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested a military officer and a health worker in a special operation targeting theft of government medicines, the authority confirmed on Friday.

The operation uncovered over 150,000 doses of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs stolen from a military health facility and intended for sale in Jinja City, NDA said in a statement.

The officer, who also serves as a laboratory technician at Kabamba Military Health Centre IV, was intercepted at a private residence in Mpumude Town. This publication has withheld his name pending his court appearance

In a related arrest, an enrolled nurse and in-charge of Makoole Health Centre II was detained for allegedly stealing 3,000 doses of antimalarials and 12,500 malaria testing kits, which she had allegedly moved to a private house for sale.

‘After arrests, our team was able to verify from hospital records and managed to link the recovered ARVs, antimalarials and malaria testing kits with the military hospital and health center store documents,’ the NDA statement read.

Both suspects are currently in police custody and face charges of illegal possession of government stores under section 296(2) of the Penal Code Act and illegal possession of classified drugs under section 27(2) of the NDP/A Act.

NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri previously noted that some stolen ARVs were being exported to neighbouring countries, including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since 2019, NDA has conducted special operations to combat the theft of government medicines, recovering over Shs13 billion worth of drugs and arresting more than 60 suspects, including 40 health officials, a soldier, and a police officer.

The most recent sentencing involved a former drug dispenser at Kayunga Hospital, who received up to four years in prison for stealing over 64,800 doses of ARVs.

The NDA credited the support of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, particularly the Deputy Director of military intelligence, Brig Abdul Rugumayo, and teams from SFC and ISO for providing access to military stores and documents that facilitated the investigation.

The authority urged the public to report suspected drug-related crimes through its toll-free line 0800 101 999, WhatsApp line 0740 002 070, or directly to NDA offices.

‘We continue to work towards breaking the cartels of drug thefts,’ the statement said.

The economic planners are thinking big, with focus on government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to grow the economy from $61b to $500b by 2040 by doubling gross domestic product (GDP) every five years.

The blueprint rests on one foundation: agro-industrialisation, transforming what Uganda grows into what the world consumes.

This ambition took centre stage at the 16th National Competitiveness Forum in Kampala yesterday.

Ms Dianah Nannono, the Ministry of Finance head of private sector development, said the forum is key for shaping Uganda’s competitiveness and ‘allows us to agree on interventions that enhance private sector growth and feed into the national budget process’.

Uganda is now implementing the Second National Strategy for Private Sector Development, which focuses on macro, industry-specific, and firm-level competitiveness.

Building on last year’s focus on innovation, this year’s discussions emphasised agro-industrialisation as the ‘fastest route’ to structural transformation.

‘Agro-manufacturing accounts for 65 percent of Uganda’s manufacturing value added, and food products alone contribute over half of that,’ Ms Nannono said. ‘We must deepen regional markets and explore new ones.’

Across Africa, the middle class, 313 million strong, is projected to hit 1.1 billion by 2060, with urbanisation driving a sevenfold increase in demand for processed foods by 2040.

Uganda already exports 58 percent of its goods within Africa, including over half of its animal feeds, and Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi, in a speech read for him, said: ‘With AfCFTA, the regional market is ours to lose’.

This, he said, would be obtained through boosting exports’ share of GDP from 12 percent to 50 percent, increasing manufactured exports to half of merchandise trade, expanding high-tech goods, and growing agro-industrial exports from $4b to $20b annually.

Uganda’s biggest opportunities and weaknesses lie in the animal feed sector. In 2023, the country exported 3,144 tonnes worth $1m but imported 136,878 tonnes valued at $52m.

‘This is a classic case for import substitution,’ said Nannono. ‘We must invest in local packaging, raw material production, and quality control.’

Government agrees that transformation will depend on private enterprise.

‘The private sector remains the primary mobilizer of land, labour, capital, and technology,’ Ggoobi said. ‘We must work hand in hand to make Uganda an economic frontier.’

He added that agro-processing is already the fastest-growing manufacturing segment, expanding at 19 percent annually, and could become the backbone of Uganda’s industrial revolution.

Thus, Uganda’s future, speakers agreed, lies in value addition, not raw exports, and with Africa’s demand for processed food and animal protein soaring, Uganda is positioning itself as the region’s factory floor for food.

‘Regional markets offer an unparalleled opportunity to transform our food and feed sectors into engines of job creation and export-led growth,’ Ggoobi said. ‘If we position ourselves right, Uganda will be the beating heart of Africa’s agro-industry.’

Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on Ugandans to uphold peace, justice, and unity as the nation approaches the 2026 general elections.

Speaking on Friday during the 26th graduation ceremony at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono, Dr. Kaziimba, who also serves as the university’s Chancellor, urged graduates to become ambassadors of peace in both word and action.

‘The true peace goes beyond the absence of conflict; it is the active presence of justice, respect, and love for one another,’ he said, addressing 568 graduates, including 320 men and 248 women, who received master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and diplomas across various disciplines.

Dr Kaziimba highlighted the upcoming election season as a critical moment for reflection and civic responsibility.

‘This moment calls for reflection, prayer, and a renewed commitment to peace. The future of our nation depends not only on who leads but on how we, as citizens, choose to live together in peace,’ he said.

He encouraged graduates to let their words heal rather than wound and their actions unite rather than divide.

‘In our conversations, in churches and in our communities, let us embody peace,’ he added.

Prof Aaron Mushengyezi, vice chancellor of UCU, urged graduates to be problem solvers, not spectators, and to lead with wisdom, integrity, and compassion.

‘You have received a complete education and been formed in character, grounded in your faith and equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to serve. Your faith should continue to be the guiding light in your choices in a world that often challenges your core values,’ he said.

Prof Alfred Olwa called on graduates to embrace lifelong learning and moral leadership. ‘In a world marked by moral compromise, corruption, and indifference, may you shine as examples of integrity, compassion, and servant leadership whenever God places you,’ he said.

The chief guest, Dr Felix Theonugraha, president of Western Theological Seminary, encouraged graduates to embrace the opportunities of a rapidly connected and technologically advanced world while being mindful of its challenges.

At least six candidates, including the current Speaker of Parliament and her deputy, have sailed through unopposed to secure their seats in the 12th Parliament.

The Electoral Commission (EC) spokesperson, Mr Julius Mucunguzi, said the unopposed candidates, who include Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, are now by law duly elected MPs, effective January 15, 2026 polling date.

‘Section 31 of the Parliamentary Elections Act states that if a candidate is unopposed by the time of the close of nomination, the returning officer declares them the duly elected MP of that electoral area, effective the polling date, and this case is January 15, 2026,’ he said. The other unopposed candidates are Lillian Paparu Obiale (Arua District Woman); Emmanuel Banya (Koboko County); Jeniva Arinaitwe (Rubirizi District Woman); Ruth Mushabe Rujoki (Kiruhura District Woman).

But the circumstances under which the six legislators were declared unopposed differ, as the two-day nomination exercise came to a close yesterday. Bukedea District In Bukedea District, a number of Opposition aspirants who had shown interest in tussling it out with Ms Among were reportedly denied access to the precincts of Bukedea District Electoral Commission (EC) nomination centre. The first attempts to block the aspirants against Ms Among came last month when Ms Zipporah Akol, accused of having close ties with Ms Among, sued three aspirants on allegation that they are not registered voters nor residents of Bukedea.

Ms Norma Suzan Otai of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Mercy Marion Alupo of National Unity Platform (NUP), and Hellen Akol Odeke, an NRM-leaning Independent candidate were sued at the High Court in Kampala. This prompted NUP to front Ms Florence Asio to contest at the eleventh hour. But the final test came when the nomination kicked off with internet connectivity being disrupted and several aspirants failing to be nominated on the first day. Day two yesterday saw heightened security, with security personnel being deployed right from the heart of the town to the district headquarters, where the nomination exercise was being conducted.

Mr Emmy Lokira, the District Police Commander (DPC), said he was under express instructions to keep journalists out of the nomination venue.

‘If you want to access the venue, kindly get instructions from the EC [Electoral Commission] officers,’ he said. The DPC, who kept pacing up and down at the main gate to the Bukedea District headquarters, warned that the best the journalists could do was to keep off some 300 kilometres away from the district headquarters.

Mr Lokira declined to say where he got the orders to bar journalists, curtly saying there was no need to ask questions, and talk to whoever was allowed to get nominated.

Ms Norma Suzan Otai, of FDC, yesterday said she arrived at the district headquarters, but was denied access to the nomination venue.

‘After being told yesterday (Wednesday) that the network had become problematic, we were told to come back today. But to our surprise, we found a fortress of police guarding the place and waving away any Opposition aspirant and journalists,’ she said. Ms Otai said what happened in Bukedea District should worry every Ugandan as it kills the essence of multiparty democracy in the country.

She said with the theatrics that EC has engaged in, the Opposition has reason to get worried ahead of next year’s General Election.

‘I came set to have myself nominated, but from what I have gone through, there is little hope that justice will be served to us,” Ms Otai said. Bukedea District was the only one across the Teso sub-region where journalists were barred from accessing the EC precincts designated for nomination of the parliamentary candidates. Mr Nathan Eyagu, one of the bloggers who arrived at the venue as early as 8am, said their attempts to access the EC nomination centre were blocked by security personnel guarding the entrance to the district headquarters.

“It’s not safe, you can also take over. We are tired, but stay safe,” Mr Eyagu said as he exited the entrance. Mr Charles Okello, a National Unity Party (NUP) party member, who had camped at the gate since morning, said they were also asked to stay some 300 kilometres away. Mr Okello said whatever was happening at the EC nomination centre would never be known because even journalists had not been allowed into the nomination centre.

Mr Benson Ekwe, the executive director Public Affairs Centre (PAC), said whatever was happening in Bukedea was not good for democracy and would remain a dark stain on the history of free, fair, and transparent electoral engagement in Uganda. ‘It is like a football league, when you bar other teams from contesting, then it becomes a fix,” he said.

Mr Ekwe noted that Katakwi District, where the vice president comes from, has witnessed free political contestation, and questioned what makes Bukedea so special that journalists and other opposition candidates are being denied access to be nominated. On Wednesday, the EC nominated Ms Among of NRM for the Bukedea District Woman MP seat. Also nominated was incumbent Kachumbala County MP Patrick Isiagi Opolot (NRM); and Rose Akol Okulu, Beckham Okwere, and Johns Bosco Ikoja, all for Bukedea County parliamentary seat.

They then trooped to attend a mega public rally at the Bukedea sports arena in Bukedea Town Council, while others waited anxiously in vain for the Internet connectivity to be restored. Ms Among joined Parliament in 2011 as an Independent, but FDC-leaning. She later joined the NRM, and returned unopposed in 2021 and was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. She later became Speaker in 2022 after the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah on March 20, 2022.

EC responds

Mr Julius Mucunguzi, the EC spokesperson, told this publication yesterday that both the journalists and aspirants who were barred should have filed a formal complaint to the EC to have their issues addressed. He said the electoral laws say if there is any matter which any voter has regarding electoral process, or conduct at the EC nomination centre or EC tally centre, one can go to court and file a case with evidence.

Mr Mucunguzi said he couldn’t address a complaint whose specifics he doesn’t know about and whose formal petitions he has not seen. He said even the journalists’ complaints can be addressed through formal complaints. Mr Mucunguzi said the claims about what has happened is inconsequential because the EC has not received any complaint.

Ruhinda North

In Mitooma District, the Returning Officer, Mr Colleb Nahamya, declared Mr Tayebwa duly elected MP for Ruhinda North after his competitor, Mr Osbert Kato, who picked nomination forms on the Opposition NUP party ticket, failed to turn up. By press time, Mr Kato was unreachable to explain why he failed to turn up, but the excited Tayebwa, via his official X-platform, commended the voters for entrusting him once more.

‘Thank you, Ruhinda North, for sending me unopposed to represent you in Parliament in 2026-31. It is a challenge I appreciate. I will deliver,’ he posted. Mr Tayebwa, who has been in Parliament for two terms, is not new to being unopposed. The deputy Speaker, who has been the Ruhinda North legislator since 2016, was also unopposed for the NRM flag during the July internal polls. In 2016, he joined Parliament on NRM ticket and went unopposed as the pioneer MP of Ruhinda North constituency, which had been carved out of Ruhinda County.

In 2021, Mr Tayebwa came up against four other candidates, including Moses Twimukye, Yoram Atuhamize of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Nelson Nuwahereza of the FDC, and Nathan Kapere Burgess. Mr Nahamya said the nomination process was successful in the district, as all candidates who expressed interest were duly nominated, except Mr Kato in Ruhinda North constituency.

‘He came at around 3pm, but did not have a national identity card, proof of payment of Shs3m, and did not have 10 supporters on his nomination papers,’ Mr Nahamya said. Mr Nahamya said they asked Mr Kato to use the remaining time before the closure of the exercise but he failed. ‘He went out and started making calls as we waited for him, but at exactly 5 pm, he came and told us he had failed. We were left with only Mr Tayebwa as the duly nominated candidate,’ he said.

Unopposed candidates

1. Anita Among (Bukedea District Woman).

2. Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North).

3. Lillian Paparu Obiale (Arua District Woman).

4. Emmanuel Banya (Koboko County).

5. Jeniva Arinaitwe (Rubirizi District Woman).

6. Ruth Mushabe Rujoki (Kiruhura District Woman).

Every October, companies in Uganda and other parts of the world celebrate Customer Service; a time dedicated to recognise and appreciate the frontliners who make customer satisfaction possible every day.

These individuals include; tellers, receptionists, call center agents, field officers, and among other employees who represent the company. They are the first point of contact, the human connection that turns ordinary transactions into memorable experiences.

Frontliners work hard to make every customer experience a positive one. Their smiles, patience, and willingness to help make all the difference. In a world where many services are becoming digital, human connection still matters most- a genuine smile, a listening ear, or a reassuring tone leaves the most lasting impression.

Every ‘good morning,’ every carefully handled complaint, and every extra effort to solve a customer’s problem contributes to the trust that keeps clients coming back.

Exceptional customer service is not just about being polite, it helps businesses grow. When customers feel valued and respected, they become loyal advocates.

Studies show that satisfied customers are more likely to recommend a company to others, while poor service drives them straight to competitors. Therefore, recognising and empowering frontliners is not merely an act of kindness; it is an investment in a company’s reputation, growth and long-term success.

However, customer service excellence is not the responsibility of frontliners alone. Everyone in an organization has a part to play. From the cleaner who keeps the office neat, to the IT technician who ensures systems work well, managers who support their teams and finance officer who processes payments on time- each one helps create a good experience for customers.

This month serves as a reminder that great service is a team effort. When staff members feel supported and appreciated, they are more motivated to serve customers better.

As we continue to celebrate Customer Service, let us take time to honor our frontliners for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts build trust, strengthen customer relationships, and drive success for every organisation or company.

In the end, good service is not just about what we do; it’s about how we make people feel. When we serve with excellence, we don’t just win customers: We earn trust, loyalty and lasting relationships. Happy Customer Service Month!

Target

Customer Service Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the vital role customer service plays in our businesses and communities. Taking place annually in the first week of October, it shines a spotlight on the hard work, dedication and impact of customer service professionals.

Throughout the week, organisations come together to recognise achievements, share best practice and inspire teams to continue raising the standard of service excellence. Whether you’re a frontline advisor or a senior leader, National Customer Service Week is your chance to champion great service and the people who deliver.